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The differences between animators and graphic design specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an animator, becoming a graphic design specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an animator has an average salary of $76,853, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for an animator include animation, motion capture and storyboards. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Animator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $76,853 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $36.95 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 551 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
The animators are specialized artists who conceptualized ideas from their creative minds with technology applications. Animators cater to different specialties depending on their expertise. They used multiple techniques and tools to create a digital masterpiece. An animator is required to have an excellent time and project management skills to meet deadlines. They should also be detail-oriented and technology savvy to keep up with the latest trend in the digital market. Animators are required to have regular communication with the respective department for the updates or adjustments as needed.
A graphic design specialist utilizes their artistic expertise in creating imagery and designs that convey a particular message. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to determine their needs and goals, developing concepts and subjecting it for client approval, and revising designs as necessary. In a company setting, a graphic design specialist may work with a team, coordinating with them while sticking to budgets and deadlines. Furthermore, as a team member, it is essential to report to managers or supervisors, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Animators and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Animator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $76,853 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $112,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Las Vegas, NV | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between an animator and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Animator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between animators' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Animator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1% | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 7.5% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 13% |